Input given on security, other requirements

The Parks, Library and Recreation Center is working on a policy that would allow beer and wine to be served at private, afterhours events in the High Plains Education Center at the Overland Trail Museum. (Journal-Advocate file photo)

Tuesday, a small board with only three members present - Tracy Glissmann, Steve Gress and Kathy Valdez - discussed a policy draft put together by PLR director Jody Hungenberg, based on suggestions from the board at their last meeting.

According to the policy, the lessee must purchase liquor from outside sources and arrange for server/bartender service. This can be someone from the lessee's party who is over the age of 21 and will be responsible for serving and supervising guests.

The lessee must provide certificate of insurance naming the city of Sterling as an additional insured for liquor liability. Liability amount will be determined by requirements of the city of Sterling's insurance provider, CIRSA.

Alcohol may only be served after hours, with city employees present at all times.

Curator Kay Rich said the other buildings at the museum will be closed at that time.

There was discussion about the requirements that one city employee must be present for every 50 attendees and outside security must be provided, at the lessee's own expense, at a ratio of one officer per 50 attendees.

Rich said she doesn't feel like outside security is necessary because museum staff will be there and they have the ability to call the police. She said her only concern that would warrant having police there would be if there were an underage drinking issue.

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The board felt like there should be some kind of security if there are more than 100 attendees expected, along with two staff members, for the safety of the items at the museum. Hungenberg pointed out that having two museum employees there means the rental fee will need to be increased.

Additionally, the board recommended notifying the police department when events are scheduled.

The policy also states that only beer and wine may be served, but no hard alcohol, keg beer or red wines.

Alcohol at unsupervised events is prohibited. Serving and consumption of alcoholic beverages, other beverages and food are restricted to the areas rented (banquet room and surrounding patio area). Alcohol may not be consumed anywhere in the parking lots.

The policy requires the lessee to prepare and post a notice in a conspicuous place, stating that the event is private and not open to the public.

Alcohol use may be disallowed when the focus of the event is on a person or group under age 21 or a significant number of attendees are under the age of 21.

Liquor must be delivered the day of the event and taken off the premises immediately following the event. No early deliveries will be accepted.

The policy states that according to Colorado law, alcoholic beverages may only be served to those 21 years of age or older. No visibly intoxicated individual can be served additional alcohol.

Sterling Police officers may walk through the premises at any time to ensure that liquor law and policies are enforced.

If at any time during the event, any violations to the liquor law or museum liquor policies are observed, liquor will be pulled and the bar closed. The event will be closed when alcohol violations are witnessed, including underage drinking or consumption.

Food must be available at all times when alcoholic beverages are distributed.

All bars are to close one-half hour prior to the end of the event.

There was concern that allowing alcohol at the museum will lead to people asking that it be allowed at other places too. Hungenberg pointed out there are valid reasons for not allowing alcohol at other locations, including children being present, and allowing alcohol after hours at the museum could lead to more events there.

No action was taken on the policy. Hungenberg will modify the policy for the next board meeting on Nov. 13 and the board may take action then.

Following approval by the PLR board the policy will need to go to the city council because it will require a city ordinance prohibiting alcohol to be changed.

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